Architect addresses concerns on Park Terrace construction

A lead architect from Wold Architects and Engineers appeared before Spring Lake Park City Council earlier this month to answer any concerns the council might have on the Park Terrace Elementary School construction project.

Construction work continues on Park Terrace Elementary School. The expansion project is on schedule to be completed by the opening of the 2013-14 school year. Photo by Elyse Kaner

Early on in the project, complaints arose about noise occurring before the 7 a.m. starting time stipulated by city ordinance, according to Greg Dahler, of Wold Architects, at Spring Lake Park’s July 15 council meeting.

Dahler said the complaints were passed on to the contractors and citations could have been issued.

“If it continues, I would suspect more citations would be issued,” he said.

As for construction noise, compaction, for instance, “there’s really nothing we can do,” he said.

Councilmember Larry Raymond asked if construction work would continue on the weekends.

Weekend work would continue, Dahler said.

The contractors are on a tight schedule to get the work completed before students arrive at the K-3 school after the Labor Day weekend, he said.

“Chances of working on Sundays are minor,” he said. “Saturdays are probably a definite and even some late nights, but never beyond the ordinances.”

Councilmember Jeanne Mason asked if work on the weekends would start at an early hour. Dahler said weekend work would begin at 9 a.m., a starting time set by city ordinance.

The project is on schedule for a timely completion, he said.

Park Terrace is in the process of adding 10 classroom spaces and expanding its cafeteria.

Dahler didn’t think the site could handle any more additions in regards to future expansion at Park Terrace, he said.

Northpoint Elementary School, which opened in Blaine in the fall of 2008, is in the process of adding six more classrooms.

Kraus-Anderson is heading the construction of both projects, while Wold Architects and Engineers is the architect firm hired for the projects.

Projected costs for construction at the two schools, located in Spring Lake Park School District 16, are estimated at $5.8 million.

The expansion projects will be paid from remaining funds from existing bonds proceeds authorized by voters in a 2006 referendum for construction and renovations and from a lease purchase.

“Construction at both sites is expected to be substantially completed by August 16 with occupancy of Park Terrace and the additions at Park Terrace and Northpoint taking place by August 20,” according to Spring Lake Park District 16’s website.